applied materials inc (AMAT) Key Developments

Applied Materials, Inc. announced the industry's first in-line 3D CD SEM metrology tool for solving the challenges of measuring the high aspect ratio and complex features of 3D NAND and FinFET devices. The new Applied VeritySEM(R) 5i system offers high-resolution imaging and backscattered electron (BSE) technology that enable exceptional CD control in-line. Using the VeritySEM 5i system can speed up chipmakers' process development and production ramp, and improve device performance and yield in high-volume production. Innovations in metrology precision are needed to improve device performance, reduce variability and boost yields of increasingly intricate high-performance, high-density 3D devices. An advanced high-resolution SEM column, tilted beam and BSE imaging give the VeritySEM 5i system its unique 3D metrology capability to measure and monitor the most vital and challenging FinFET and 3D NAND structures in-line. Specifically, BSE imaging for via-in-trench bottom CD enables chipmakers to ensure connectivity between underlying and overlaying metal layers. For controlling FinFET sidewall, as well as gate and fin height, where the smallest variation impacts device performance and yield, the VeritySEM 5i tool's tilt-beam provides exact, repeatable in-line measurements. High-resolution BSE imaging enables continued vertical scaling through enhanced sensitivity for measuring the asymmetrical sidewall and bottom CDs of 3D NAND devices with very high aspect ratios reaching up to 60:1 and beyond.

Applied Materials, Inc. Reports Unaudited Consolidated Earnings Results for the First Quarter Ended January 25, 2015; Provides Earnings Guidance for the Second Quarter of 2015

Feb 11 15

Applied Materials, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended January 25, 2015. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $2,359 million compared to $2,190 million a year ago. Income from operations was $458 million compared to $330 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $437 million compared to $315 million a year ago. Net income was $348 million compared to $253 million a year ago. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.28 compared to $0.21 a year ago. Cash provided by operating activities was $60 million compared to $372 million a year ago. Capital expenditures were $49 million compared to $48 million a year ago. Non-gaap adjusted operating income was $447 million compared to $380 million a year ago. Non-gaap adjusted net income was $338 million compared to $279 million a year ago. Non-gaap adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.27 compared to $0.23 a year ago.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the company expects net sales to be in the range of flat to up a couple of percentage points from the previous quarter. Non-Gaap adjusted diluted EPS is expected to be in the range of $0.26 to $0.30. Non-GAAP gross margin should be approximately flat. Non-GAAP operating expenses should be in the range of $570 million, plus or minus $10 million.

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